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First, some facts. Of the Photography graduates from School of Visual Arts we've analyzed , here's how many have used (or NOT used) their degree in their career:
These are estimates based on AI analysis of 14 LinkedIn profiles (see below).
The verdict? Significantly above average. Overall, with an average relevance score of 78%, Photography graduates from School of Visual Arts have a much higher likelihood (+11%) of finding work in this field compared to the average graduate across all fields:
And for comparison, here's the chart for all profiles we've looked at across all degrees.
Also, after graduating, only 21% of these graduates have pursued further education other than another Bachelor's degree (such as a Masters degree or other), compared to the average across all profiles of 35%. This suggests a Bachelors degree is enough for most Photography graduates, and it's normal to look for work straight after graduation.
See the details:
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Relevance score: 51% We think this person has gone into a career only somewhat relevant to their degree.
DEGREE INFOGraduated in 2014 from School of Visual Arts with a Bachelor of Fine Arts - BFA in Photography. No other secondary education since. JOB HISTORY SINCE GRADUATIONStudio Assistant Milk Studios May 2014 - Apr 2015 Coordinator  George Street Photo & Video Apr 2015 - Aug 2015 Account Coordinator Equator Design Nov 2015 - Dec 2017 Creative Account Manager Equator Design Dec 2017 - Jul 2018 Account Strategy Manager Soulsight Jul 2018 - Apr 2021 Senior Account Executive Leo Burnett May 2021 - May 2022 Senior Account Manager Chase Design Group May 2022 - Present ABOUTNo information provided. |
The top 10 most common jobs done by the graduates we've analyzed (ranked most common to least) are:
So, when you look at the job paths of folks who graduated with a Photography degree from the School of Visual Arts, it’s a mixed bag. A lot of them have ended up in roles that aren’t directly tied to photography, like retail sales or account management. These jobs lean more toward general business skills, customer service, or even creative marketing without necessarily calling for photography expertise. However, there are definitely some graduates who have secured positions that are spot-on with their degree, such as freelance photographers, photo producers, and creative roles that involve visual storytelling. These positions directly tap into their training and creative skills involved in photography.
Overall, while many graduates find themselves in jobs that could be miles away from the camera, there’s a decent chunk who have embraced the art of photography in their careers. Positions like freelance photographers, photo assistants, and even roles in creative production keep them grounded in their craft. It just shows that while a photography degree can lead to various job options, those who stick closely to their passion for photography seem to find the most relevance in their careers. It’s a journey, really, and whether they’re selling clothes or shooting weddings, it’s all about where they choose to steer their ship after graduation.
Here is a visual representation of the most common words in job titles for Photography graduates (this is across all Photography graduates we've analyzed, not just those who went to School of Visual Arts):
So, when you look at the career paths of graduates from the School of Visual Arts with a degree in Photography, you can see a pretty mixed bag. Right after graduation, many of them dive into internships and freelance gigs, which makes sense since networking and building a portfolio are super important in the arts field. A lot of them start out as assistants or in support roles, like studio assistants or coordinators, which help them learn the ropes and get their feet wet in the industry. It's a common stepping stone, especially for those who want to break into commercial photography or other creative roles.
Fast forward about five to ten years, and you start seeing a clearer picture of where these graduates land. While some stick to more traditional photography roles, like freelance photographers or videographers, others find their niche in related fields such as creative producing, marketing, or account management. It's a bit of a mix—some have carved out solid careers within photography and visual arts, while others have transitioned into roles that might feel somewhat off the beaten path from what they studied. Overall, there seems to be some success, but the idea of "stability" in creative careers is always a bit shaky. It’s definitely not uncommon to see folks end up in jobs that are tangentially related to their degree rather than strictly photography-based. So, if you're thinking about pursuing this path, just be ready for a journey with lots of twists and turns!
Getting a Bachelor's degree in Photography can be a mix of challenging and fun, and it's pretty similar at the School of Visual Arts. You’ll dive into a ton of technical stuff like camera techniques, lighting, and post-production, which can be a bit tricky at first, especially if you're just starting out. But it’s not all about crunching numbers or studying theory; you also get a lot of hands-on experience and creative projects that can be super exciting. So, while it can be demanding due to the need for constant practice and skill development, many students find it rewarding and inspiring, especially if you love photography. Overall, it's about average in difficulty but can feel easier or harder depending on how passionate you are about the subject.
Most commonly, in the LinkedIn profiles we've looked at, it takes people 4 years to finish a Bachelor degree in Photography.
Looking at the job histories of these School of Visual Arts graduates, it seems like they've had a mix of experiences that might not scream "big bucks," but they do show some decent work progression. A few of them have transitioned into solid roles, like account manager or creative producer, which usually come with better salaries, especially in creative industries. However, there are also a lot of freelance gigs and internships that suggest they might not be pulling in a steady income right off the bat. Overall, while not everyone is likely making a fortune, some of them are carving out profitable careers in creative spaces, especially if they continue to build their networks and portfolios.
Here is a visual representation of the most common words seen in the "about" section of LinkedIn profiles who have a Bachelor degree in Photography (this is across all Photography graduates we've analyzed, not just those who went to School of Visual Arts). This may or may not be useful:
Here are all colleges offering a Bachelor degree in Photography (ordered by the average relevance score of their Photography graduates, best to worst) where we have analyzed at least 10 of their graduates:
| College | Score | Count |
|---|---|---|
 School of Visual Arts
|
78 | 14 |
 Academy of Art University
|
73 | 11 |
 Fashion Institute of Technology
|
72 | 11 |
 Savannah College of Art and Design
|
70 | 24 |
 Columbia College Chicago
|
62 | 12 |
 The Art Institutes
|
42 | 11 |